Philippines defends actions in ASEAN meeting

MANILA, Philippines - The Philippines on Wednesday defended its actions during the 45th Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Ministerial Meeting, where the group failed to issue a joint communiqué that should have included a statement about the territorial dispute in the West Philippine Sea (South China Sea).

In a statement, DFA Undersecretary Erlinda F. Basilio, denied that the Philippines was to blame for the failure to agree on the Code of Conduct on the South China Sea. The Philippines was blamed for "strain" among ASEAN members by raising the territorial row with China during the meeting.

"ASEAN had already agreed on the key elements of the proposed Code of Conduct on the South China Sea for discussion with China...The strain being felt by ASEAN is not attributable to the Philippines but it was reportedly due to the failure of the Chair to gain a consensus. Within the ASEAN framework, the Philippines needed to be resolute in giving primacy to national interest," Basilio said.

She added that the "souring of mood" during the meeting was due to Cambodia's "firm position" against the inclusion of the recent developments in the South China Sea in the Joint Communique.

"On the reference to 'duplicity and intimidation,' the Philippines forged an agreement with a neighboring country for the simultaneous pull-out of all vessels inside the shoal, which we undertook in good faith last June 4. Furthermore, the neighboring country agreed to remove its barrier at the entrance of the shoal. Yet to this day, the neighboring country has not fulfilled its obligations under the agreement and has maintained its ships inside and outside the shoal, as well as its barrier, in its aim to establish effective control and jurisdiction in the shoal and surrounding waters," the Philippines said.

Basilio also denied that the Philippines was alone in its position, saying that Singapore, Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, Vietnam as well as the ASEAN secretary-general also believe that there is a need to include the dispute in the South China Sea in the Joint Communique.

"In all Asean meetings and in other fora, the Philippines has consistently advocated a peaceful and rules-based approach in resolving maritime territorial disputes in accordance with international law, specifically the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) and has been engaging China in continuing dialogues and consultations," Basilio added.